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Local Screening of Leftovers - a Documentary on Senior Hunger

Why are 1 in 6 seniors struggling with hunger in the United States? And why does California have more hungry seniors than any other state? What policies and institutions perpetuate senior poverty, and what reforms will ensure that our elders get the healthy food they need?

In an effort to engage Humboldt County in a conversation about these questions, Food for People, in partnership with the Humboldt Food Policy Council, invites the community to attend a free, community screening of Leftovers. In this independently produced film, photographer Seth Hancock, who rarely thinks about getting old or food insecurity, is asked to make a documentary about senior hunger and the treatment of senior citizens in America. This film documents the startling revelations he found.

Senior hunger is an issue for community members of all ages to take to heart. Having to choose between rent, healthcare, transportation, and food is a daily experience for too many of our neighbors. For people over the age of 60, the risk of not having enough money to cover the basics is growing, and many do not have people in their lives to lean on for help. According to UCLA’s California Health Interview Survey, between 2001 and 2014 the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income seniors in California nearly doubled. The California Department of Finance estimates that the numbers of people age 65 and older will more than double by 2040. California currently has more seniors in poverty than any other state.

Throughout Humboldt County, there are many agencies working to increase food access for seniors. Free and low-cost congregate and home-delivered meals for seniors are available at multiple sites throughout the county. Seniors can also access food through a variety of Food for People programs and represent 22% of the people we serve.

Please join us and our special guest, Leftovers creator Seth Hancock, on Saturday, October 20th at the Eureka Theater. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the film will begin at 3:00 p.m. The film is followed by a community discussion with the film’s creator and local individuals sharing their experiences working to reduce senior hunger.